BOOK REVIEW: We Were There

by Rose Cruz Churma

This book is a selection of stories gathered from the members of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) staff who found themselves joining the ranks of supporters at EDSA during the People’s Revolution of February 22 to 25, 1986.

As noted in the book’s introduction, the term “People Power” entered the world’s vocabulary in February 1986, which was 38 years ago. It is now defined as an unprecedented act of faith and courage by the Filipino people.

On that fateful weekend of February 22 to 25—the Filipino people toppled a tired and discredited leader and replaced him with a new president—the widow of the well-loved opposition leader, Ninoy Aquino.

Behind the strength and spirit of People Power are the millions of individuals from every walk of life who were brought together by their love of country and dedication to democracy.

We know of the power it wielded and the changes it has achieved but know little of the people who welded themselves into a massive force that could change the course of history.

This collection of stories provides a window to the hearts and minds of these people by sharing their stories in their own words.  

It is storytelling at its best as ordinary people who lived those events share their experiences during those historic moments.

As the book’s preface states “ In this way, the full flavor of their courage, conviction, and devotion to God and country can be savored firsthand.”

They hope that their children and children’s children could understand and be inspired—and moved by the dedication, faith, and love of the country of the ordinary Filipino. This was the driving force that made this book possible.

Twenty-nine individuals contributed their stories to this collection, mostly Filipinos—and one American whose article is titled—“ I am proud to be married to a Filipina” as he recounted his and his wife’s experience as they helped “secure” Camp Aguinaldo where his wife was part of the human cordon that facilitated the transfer of then Minister of Defense Juan Ponce Enrile to Camp Crame, where then Lt. General Fidel Ramos was situated (he would eventually be elected president after the term of Corazon Aquino).

Each of the stories were first-person account of their time during those critical days in February 1986 and also illustrated by pictures taken during those days, unfiltered photos, and candid descriptions of what they saw and felt.

For example, Maripe G. Juliano describes how she threw a can of biscuits at a tank—while her husband raised his hand with the laban sign calling out to the marines in full battle gear “kapatid, kapatid”—to plead with them not to shoot.

Other folks were sharing cigarettes, flowers, and other offerings to convince them not to fire at the crowd. She threw a can of biscuits which a soldier caught—and to her surprise—kept with him. 

I write this book review while still in Manila, as Hawaii’s 31st Trade Mission winds down. Today is our last day, and tomorrow I hope I can visit the EDSA monument, the lasting symbol of where People Power occurred.

Yesterday when the delegation visited Malacañang Palace for an audience with the country’s current president, I reminded the delegation that it was Hawaii where the discredited President Marcos and his family sought refuge and where his supporters mostly from the Ilocos region provided the comfort and care during their time of need.

To his credit, the current president recognizes this. He is quoted as saying in his speech when he visited Hawaii last November: “We landed with nothing and you kept our body and soul together.”

Thirty-eight years ago, it probably would not have crossed the minds of those who joined People Power that the very same folks they booted out of the country would be in power once more. It has come full circle.

As such, it is important to understand the cycle of life, the importance of documenting history as it happened, and to ensure that these events in our collective story are not forgotten.

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ROSE CRUZ CHURMA established Kalamansi Books & Things three decades ago. It has evolved from a mail-order bookstore into an online advocacy with the intent of helping global Pinoys discover their heritage by promoting books of value from the Philippines and those written by Filipinos in the Diaspora. We can be reached at kalamansibooks@gmail.com.